If you’ve been dealing with bad breath, it might be time to take a closer look at your tonsils. White or yellow spots could be a sign of tonsil stones.
Tonsil stones, also called tonsilloliths, are small lumps made up of trapped food particles, bacteria, and minerals like calcium. They often have a soft, cheese-like texture and form in the folds and crevices of your tonsils.
Why They Happen
These stones are mostly harmless and often cause little more than bad breath. In fact, research suggests about 10% of people will develop tonsil stones at some point in their lives, and sometimes they disappear on their own.
Common Symptoms
Besides bad breath, tonsil stones may cause:
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Sore throat or difficulty swallowing
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A metallic taste in your mouth
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Swollen tonsils
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Ear pain or pressure
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Persistent coughing
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Recurrent tonsil infections
